C5 Georgia Youth Foundation

What C5 Georgia Youth Foundation does

C5 Georgia Youth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, founded in 2005, that delivers a free 5-year youth leadership development program to high-potential teens from under-resourced communities in Metro Atlanta. Participants are nominated by 7th grade teachers, guidance counselors, and youth-focused agencies, with approximately 150-200 students nominated annually and 50-70 selected per cohort. The program progresses through five cohort stages (Flints, Lanterns, Hammers, Compasses, Medallions) and develops five signature traits: Character, Leadership, Community, Perseverance, and Education. Program components include outdoor education experiences (residential Leadership Camp in the North Georgia Mountains, NOLS treks in the Tetons, Appalachians, and Adirondacks), a College Readiness program, and a Community Action program.

The underlying technology stack is minimal: a WordPress-based website, Constant Contact email newsletters, a CampSite dashboard for camp management, and basic social media. The business model is entirely philanthropic, with no fees charged to participants. Revenue is generated across three streams: individual donations (including a 5-year Hero pledge program), corporate sponsorships (with tiers ranging from $1,000-$5,000 per year for 3-5 years), and event fundraising (the Drive For Youth Classic golf tournament, Wine & Bourbon Tasting, Celebration Event, and the Infinite Possibilities campaign). The organization maintains a board with executive representation from Coca-Cola, Accenture, UPS, Smurfit Westrock, Delta Community Credit Union, KPMG, PwC, and Newell Brands, and is a member of the national Association of C5 Youth Programs alongside C5 New England, C5 LA, and C5 Texas.

Name

C5 Georgia Youth Foundation

Legal name

C5 Georgia Youth Foundation

Website

https://c5georgia.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

C5 Georgia Youth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit running a free 5-year leadership program for high-potential teens from under-resourced Metro Atlanta communities, funded through corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and fundraising events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Leadership, Civic Education & Service-Learning Nonprofits (BPAGADAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAD), Leadership, Character Education & Values Development (EDAMAIAG), Youth-to-Adult Transition & Life Skills (Independent Living, Soft Skills) (EDAAAFAN)

Keywords

• Youth leadership development
• College readiness programs
• Outdoor education experiences
• Community service learning
• Nonprofit youth programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and monthly donations from individual donors, including a Hero program with 5-year pledge commitments to sponsor students through the program.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate partners sponsor specific programs, events, and experiences. Sponsorship tiers include Program Sponsor ($5,000 for 5 years), Leadership Sponsor ($5,000 for 3 years), College Readiness Sponsor ($2,500 for 3 years), Experiential Sponsor ($1,000 for 3 years).
3. Event Fundraising: Annual fundraising events including Drive For Youth Classic golf tournament, Wine & Bourbon Tasting, Celebration Event, and Infinite Possibilities campaign.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

C5 Georgia Youth Foundation operates a holistic, year-round 5-year youth leadership development program that begins at the end of 7th grade and continues through high school graduation. The program develops five signature traits (Character, Community, Challenge/Perseverance, College, and Civic engagement) through Outdoor Education Experiences including residential Leadership Camp and NOLS wilderness treks, College Readiness programming, and Community Action service learning. Programs are delivered free of charge to nominated and selected teens from under-resourced Metro Atlanta communities.

Product overview

C5 Georgia Youth Foundation operates a single integrated youth leadership development program consisting of a 5-year progressive curriculum that begins when students enter 7th grade and continues through high school graduation. The core program is divided into five cohort levels (Flints, Lanterns, Hammers, Compasses, and Medallions), each with increasing responsibilities. Program components include Outdoor Education Experiences (Leadership Camp, hiking treks, nature walks), College Readiness, and Community Action. The organization also runs a network of supporting programs including an Alumni Association, Corporate Partnership opportunities, Summer Employment, and Internship positions. Annual fundraising events (Drive For Youth Classic golf tournament, Wine & Bourbon Tasting, Celebration Event) and the Infinite Possibilities campaign provide financial support for programming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 5-Year Leadership Program A holistic, year-round youth leadership development program starting at the end of 7th grade and continuing through high school graduation. The program develops five signature traits (Character, Community, Challenge, College, Civic engagement) through experiential learning for high-potential teens from under-resourced Metro Atlanta communities, delivered free of charge.
• Outdoor Education Experiences Immersive outdoor adventures including residential Leadership Camp in the North Georgia Mountains, hiking treks in the Appalachians, Tetons, and Adirondacks, nature walks in Metro Atlanta parks, and community service activities designed to build leadership, physical fitness, and self-confidence in C5 Georgia students.
• College Readiness Program Program component focused on preparing C5 Georgia students for higher education, including college visits, application guidance, and scholarship preparation to help students transition successfully to college or technical school.
• Community Action Program Program component that engages C5 Georgia students in community service activities in Metro Atlanta, teaching them to plan and work to ensure resources meet specific community needs while developing civic responsibility.
• Student Cohort Program (Flints, Lanterns, Hammers, Compasses, Medallions) Progressive cohort system where C5 Georgia students advance through five program years: Flints (7th grade entry), Lanterns, Hammers, Compasses, and Medallions (final year/seniors), each with increasing leadership responsibilities and challenges.
• Alumni Association Post-program community for C5 Georgia graduates offering opportunities to join committees, volunteer, apply for employment or internships, and participate in fundraising to support current students and the broader C5 community.
• Infinite Possibilities Campaign $250,000 fundraising campaign celebrating 20 years of C5 Georgia impact, funding transformational experiences including signature summer programming, NOLS treks, and Road to College exploration opportunities.
• Corporate Partnership Program Corporate engagement opportunities including Youth Leadership Summit, Paths to Graduation, Leadership Luncheons, Corporate Team Building Days, and Career Lunch & Learn sessions connecting C5 Georgia students with business professionals.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of graduates enroll in college, military, or start a career
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and regional.

• Coca-ColacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding corporate partner with deep historical ties. John Alm, former CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises, conceived the C5 concept in 1999. Coca-Cola Enterprises invested $25M to establish the program. The organization was originally named 'Camp Coca-Cola' before being renamed C5 Association of Youth Programs in 2005. Coca-Cola representatives serve on the board including Director of Sales Dwayne Irvin (C5 National Chair).
• AccenturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner with executive representation on the board (Jay Amburkar, Managing Director at Accenture). Provides professional expertise and potential workforce development support.
• UPScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner with executive representation on the board (Michael Yoshida, Vice President at UPS). Supports program through leadership luncheons and corporate engagement events.
• Smurfit WestrockcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner with board representation (MJ DePiero, Senior Director at Smurfit Westrock). Provides event hosting and sponsorship support.
• Delta Community Credit UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial services partner providing sponsorship and support for C5 Georgia programs and events.
• NovelismajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting C5 Georgia programs and events.
• Inspire BrandsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting youth development programs.
• Kimberly-ClarkmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting C5 Georgia initiatives.
• NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for backcountry hiking experiences in Teton Valley. C5 Georgia leaders travel to Teton Valley for immersive wilderness education with NOLS instructors.
• KPMGmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional services firm with board representation (Donovan Green, Advisory Manager). Provides financial expertise and potential corporate engagement.
• PwCmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional services firm with board representation (Darrick Jackson, Senior Tax Associate).
• Newell BrandsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsumer goods company with board representation (Alex Clarke, Senior Director).
• Fulton CountyregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partner supporting C5 Georgia programs.
• Dick's Sporting GoodsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRetail partner providing sponsorship and in-kind support for outdoor education programs.
• Georgia-Pacific (GPC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting C5 Georgia programs.
• C5 Youth Programs (National Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational umbrella organization connecting C5 Georgia with C5 New England, C5 LA, and C5 Texas. C5 Georgia is a member of the Association of C5 Youth Programs (c5leaders.org).

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• QuestBridge: National nonprofit connecting high-achieving, low-income students to selective colleges with full scholarships. Comparable focus on first-generation and under-resourced students pursuing top-tier higher education outcomes.

Direct peers

• Bottom Line: Nonprofit providing college access and success coaching to first-generation students from under-resourced communities. Directly comparable target population and college enrollment/completion outcomes focus.
• iMentor: Nonprofit pairing under-resourced high school students with mentors for college success. Comparable focus on college readiness for low-income students, with a mentorship-driven model that overlaps with C5's mentoring and adult relationship building.
• C5 Texas: Sister C5 Youth Programs site in Texas delivering the same 5-year leadership development curriculum. Provides direct comparability on cohort design, outdoor education, and college readiness.
• C5 LA (Los Angeles): Sister C5 Youth Programs site in Los Angeles. Operates the same 5-year cohort-based leadership program for under-resourced teens with shared national affiliation.
• C5 New England: Sister C5 Youth Programs site operating the same 5-year leadership development model in New England. Closest direct peer with shared curriculum, brand, and operational playbook.

Broad incumbents

• Jack and Jill of America: National nonprofit focused on leadership development and college readiness for African American youth. Comparable target demographic and leadership/educational outcomes focus, with a parent-driven membership model.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Large national youth development nonprofit offering leadership, academic, and college/career readiness programming to youth from under-resourced communities. Comparable mission and target population, but broader and less cohort-intensive.
• Year Up: Workforce development nonprofit serving young adults from under-resourced communities with career training and corporate partnerships. Comparable Fortune 500 employer engagement and college/career transition outcomes.

Others

• National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS): Outdoor education provider that partners with C5 Georgia for backcountry treks. Directly comparable on outdoor leadership curriculum delivery and a current strategic partner of C5 Georgia.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/c5-youth-foundation-of-georgia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about C5 Georgia Youth Foundation